NHTSA Complaint #11689060 — 2018 BMW 320I

• What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The plastic fuel tank failed and developed a leak. Yes, the tank is available for inspection upon request. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A leaking fuel tank poses a serious fire and explosion hazard, especially when the vehicle is operating or parked near heat sources. Gasoline fumes were noticeable, creating an increased risk of ignition and exposure to toxic vapors. • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The problem was confirmed by an independent mechanic, who verified the leak in the fuel tank. • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by BMW or other officials. Only an independent mechanic has inspected it so far. • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. A check engine light appeared shortly before the failure. In addition, a strong smell of gasoline was noticed, followed by visible leaking fuel. There is an open recall on the BMW F30 BMW 320i, production date 2013 to 2018, production dates July 02, 2012 to March 23, 2018 for the “plastic fuel tank.” I own a 2018 BMW 320i, manufactured April 2018 which is not included in the recall for the “plastic fuel tank.” However, I noticed a gasoline smell and the fuel tank is leaking. Upon further research, inspection and after notifying a mechanic, the fuel tank for my vehicle is the exact same one as the plastic fuel tank indicated in the BMW recall. My production date is a week later than the recall production date, but the fuel tank is the same exact fuel tank that has been recalled. The vehicle has developed a serious safety defect in the plastic fuel tank, which is leaking gasoline and emitting fumes.